Iconic Australian TV show Neighbours has been officially axed after nearly 37 years

It's the end of an era for Australian soap opera Neighbours, which has officially been axed after nearly 37 years.

Production of the show - which has run for nearly 9,000 episodes - will stop in June.

The news was confirmed last night after UK network Channel 5 withdrew its broadcast partnership with Australian production company Fremantle Media - Channel 5 foots the majority of the production bill.

"Following the loss of our key broadcast partner in the UK and despite an extensive search for alternative funding, we simply have no option but to rest the show," a post to Neighbours' Twitter account read.

"To our amazing, loyal fans, we know this is a huge disappointment, as it is to all of us on the team. We thank you for all your messages and support and promise to end the show on an incredible high. From here on, we are celebrating Neighbours."

Neighbours draws around 1.5 million UK viewers daily, and up to 170,000 metro viewers in Australia.

According to The Sun many famous actors have been asked to return to the show to ensure it goes out on a high.

Kylie Minogue and Jason Donovan, who played Charlene and Scott Robinson, have been approached to return.

Neighbours legend Ian Smith has reportedly already agreed to make his comeback as Harold Bishop, and Peter O'Brien, who appeared in the soap's very first episode back in 1985, will reprise his role as Shane Ramsay.

While Natalie Imbruglia, who rose to fame playing Beth Brennan in the '90s, has also already said she would go back.